As a pediatrician and public health advocate, I have dedicated my career to protecting children from preventable diseases. I have vaccinated children, treated desperately ill children who were not vaccinated, and, tragically, attended the funerals of children lost to diseases we know how to prevent. The recent measles outbreak in Texas is a stark and painful reminder that when vaccination rates decline, lives will be lost.
Texas is currently facing its most severe measles outbreak in nearly three decades. In just the past month – as of March 27 – there have been 378 confirmed measles cases in 18 jurisdictions across our nation, and tragically, one child has died. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. Yet, here we are in 2025, once again fighting a battle against a disease that has no place in modern society – and no place on the death certificates of our children.
This outbreak is not a fluke. It is not an unfortunate coincidence. The measles outbreak is the direct result of missed vaccinations. Often fueled by misinformation, the vaccination rates in some Texas communities have fallen below the threshold necessary for herd immunity. This puts not only unvaccinated children at risk but also those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions. I empathize with all parents who are trying to do right for their children, amidst a tsunami of vaccine misinformation. That is why I want to speak with humility, compassion, and clarity, to enable parents to make more informed decisions.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to mankind. It spreads through the air and can remain infectious in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has left. Ninety percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles – even being in the same room - will become infected. And measles is not benign: 100,000 children die each year of measles around the world. And while the mortality rate in the USA among unvaccinated children would be much less than those in low-income nations, children here would still die in the hundreds without vaccination. And thousands of additional children would suffer horrific side effects, like permanent brain damage, blindness, and deafness.
Vaccines are not always the answer. For some viruses, there are no vaccines, but there are rapid tests and effective anti-viral medicines. But for measles, the MMR vaccine is 97% effective when both doses are administered. It is safe, thoroughly tested, does not cause autism, and has been lifesaving for decades. My children and grandchildren will not die of measles, because they are vaccinated. And there is no substitute, nor any effective treatment, for measles. And yes, there are potential mild side effects of the vaccine; but the idea that measles vaccines cause deaths each year is blatantly false.
During my time in public service, I always prioritized providing parents and children with the best available information. I certainly support local rules and parental choice over federal mandates, but with rights come responsibilities. Choosing not to vaccinate your child could have devastating effects on your family. In this Texas outbreak, dozens of children have fallen ill. Schools have been forced to shut down. Parents have missed work. Healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed. And tragically, a family has lost a child.
Bottom line: I urge all of us to work together to increase our vaccination rates, especially for diseases like measles for which the benefit of vaccination is unquestionable. Parents need access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions, and they deserve unbiased information from federal leadership. Parents, please speak to your doctor, your nurse practitioner, your pharmacist, or other health professionals. Talk to your parents and grandparents, who tragically witnessed thousands of deaths and paralytic illnesses in this country before vaccines became available.
One child’s death from measles is a tragedy not only for the family and their community but also for our nation. If we can’t stop measles, really what can we do? Let’s not wait for another tragedy.
Dr. Giroir is the CEO of Altesa BioSciences, and former US Assistant Secretary for Health, Acting FDA Commissioner, and Admiral in the US Public Health Service.
